Neill out to show his worth for Brazil

Daniel Lane

SYDNEY FC recruit Lucas Neill will use his stint in the A-League to help consolidate his place as Australia's captain for their assault on next year's World Cup in Brazil.

Neill added considerable strike-power to the Sky Blues when it was announced on Saturday he would return to his home-city's foundation club for the remainder of the season rather than join Melbourne Heart.

The 34-year-old, who has played 89 matches for Australia, said in a press release issued by his new club that he was excited to be returning home after plying his trade in England, Turkey and in more recent times, the United Arab Emirates for the past 11 years.

"I'm a Sydney boy and I'm excited to be coming back to Australia to play club football in front of friends and family with Sydney FC," Neill said. "I worked with Frank [Sydney FC coach Farina] for many years in the Socceroos and I look back on those times with good memories, and it's great to have the chance to enjoy further success together at Sydney FC. I look forward to meeting my new teammates tomorrow."

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While his decision to play for Sydney added significant muscle to their star-studded line-up, which already boasted Italian great Alessandro del Piero and former English Premier League stalwart Brett Emerton, it was understood Neill was determined to solidify his place in the national team and play in a third consecutive World Cup.

Socceroos coach Holger Osieck made it clear he wanted Neill to play regular football before the World Cup qualifiers. He was quoted during the Australian team's build-up to last week's 3-2 loss to Romania that he was concerned by reports his skipper was going to be dumped by Al Wasl.

''It's not a very positive development,'' Osieck said at the time of Neill's situation with Al Wasl. ''First and foremost, it affects himself, but down the road it's going to affect the national team as well. A player has to be in a regular playing rhythm, has to have a regular schedule and I hope he can resolve his situation pretty quickly. I would advise him to find a spot where he can play regularly. It doesn't matter where it is.''

Neill, who is regarded as one of Australia's most committed players, will miss the Socceroos' qualifier against Oman in March because of an international suspension. However, it was expected, by joining Sydney, he would have plenty of football in his legs for the June qualifiers against Japan, Jordan and Iraq. If Sydney make the grand final he could play as many as nine games for the club.

Farina, who had his deal extended with Sydney FC during the week, hailed Neill's arrival at the club.

"We're thrilled Lucas has joined Sydney FC," Farina said. "He is the current Socceroo captain and one of Australia's most decorated players but more importantly he is a tremendous defender and he will make a valuable contribution in the run in to the semi-final series."

He was expected to be given a clearance in time to play against the Heart next Sunday.